Lexical Summary machabath: Pan, Griddle Original Word: מַחֲבַת Strong's Exhaustive Concordance pan From the same as chabeth; a pan for baking in -- pan. see HEBREW chabeth NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as chabittim Definition a flat plate, pan, griddle NASB Translation griddle (3), pan (1), plate (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs מַחֲבַת noun feminine flat plate, pan, or griddle for baking, only P and late; absolute ׳מ Leviticus 2:5 2t.; מַחֲבַ֑ת Leviticus 7:9; construct מַחֲבַת Ezekiel 4:3; — 1 used in preparing the (baken) mincha, preceded by עַלֿ Leviticus 2:5; Leviticus 6:14; Leviticus 7:9 (all P), compare 1 Chronicles 23:29. 2 בַּרְזֶל ׳מ Ezekiel 4:3 a plate of iron, signifying an iron wall, in prediction of siege of city. חָג, חָגָּא see below חגּגּ. חגּב (√ of following; meaning dubious; possibly compare Arabic Topical Lexicon Definition and Basic Description מַחֲבַת denotes a shallow, flat cooking surface—comparable to a griddle or frying pan—employed both in daily life and in sanctuary worship. Its design allowed rapid, even heating, suiting it to thin, unleavened cakes that formed part of Israel’s grain offerings. Cultic Function within the Grain Offering In Levitical ritual the griddle receives specific instruction: The grain offering emphasized fellowship with God apart from blood-atonement. The griddle preserved this theme by producing a food item entirely free of yeast, a visual testimony to purity, haste, and sincerity before the LORD. Distribution to the Priesthood Under the covenantal economy, portions of griddle-baked offerings were assigned to the officiating priest (Leviticus 7:9). The utensil therefore facilitated both worship and priestly sustenance. Its inclusion among the provisions that “belong to the priest” upholds the principle that “those who serve at the altar share in the offerings of the altar,” foreshadowing the New Testament affirmation of ministerial support. Construction and Materials The passages do not dictate precise dimensions, yet Ezekiel identifies an “iron griddle” (Ezekiel 4:3), revealing durable metalwork familiar to the exilic era. Earlier cultic practice probably used bronze or copper, metals common to tabernacle furnishings. A smooth surface, shallow rim, and convenient portability suited the tabernacle’s mobile setting and the temple’s permanent courts alike. Symbolic and Theological Insights 1. Unleavened purity: The griddle’s association with unleavened cakes typifies moral integrity and separation from corruption. Prophetic Adaptation in Ezekiel Ezekiel transforms the everyday utensil into an instrument of prophetic sign. By erecting an iron griddle as a barrier between himself and the model city, he dramatizes divine judgment and the unyielding siege soon to befall Jerusalem. The same object once linked with fellowship now illustrates separation, underscoring that the covenant blessings can be withheld when the people persist in sin. Administrative Role in Temple Service 1 Chronicles 23:29 lists the griddle among instruments the Levites managed: “also the bread of the Presence and the fine flour for the grain offering, the unleavened wafers, the baking, the mixing, and all measurements of quantity and size.” Their stewardship included accurate preparation on the griddle, preserving both liturgical order and culinary excellence for the LORD’s table. New Covenant Reflections While the New Testament never names the griddle, its typology carries forward. The purity of unleavened bread, the mingling of oil, and the distribution to priests prefigure the church’s ongoing call to holiness, Spirit-filled service, and mutual fellowship at the Lord’s Table. As with the Old Covenant utensil, ordinary implements become sacred when devoted to the worship of the living God. Key References Leviticus 2:5; Leviticus 6:21; Leviticus 7:9; 1 Chronicles 23:29; Ezekiel 4:3 Forms and Transliterations בַמַּרְחֶ֖שֶׁת במרחשת הַֽמַּחֲבַ֖ת המחבת וְלַֽמַּחֲבַ֖ת ולמחבת מַחֲבַ֗ת מַחֲבַ֣ת מחבת ḇam·mar·ḥe·šeṯ ḇammarḥešeṯ ham·ma·ḥă·ḇaṯ hammachaVat hammaḥăḇaṯ ma·ḥă·ḇaṯ machaVat maḥăḇaṯ vammarCheshet velammachaVat wə·lam·ma·ḥă·ḇaṯ wəlammaḥăḇaṯLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Leviticus 2:5 HEB: מִנְחָ֥ה עַל־ הַֽמַּחֲבַ֖ת קָרְבָּנֶ֑ךָ סֹ֛לֶת NAS: is a grain offering [made] on the griddle, [it shall be] of fine flour, KJV: [be] a meat offering [baken] in a pan, it shall be [of] fine flour INT: offering on the griddle your offering fine Leviticus 6:21 Leviticus 7:9 1 Chronicles 23:29 Ezekiel 4:3 5 Occurrences |
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prevent, intervene, hide, 
that which veils, conceals, hides; Syriac 
shrine; hence locusts as concealing the sky?).